The Wales netball team is primed for their first game against the Fijian Pearls at 11:50am (Fiji time) at Netball Central court today.

Wales Netball coach Trish Wilcox believes getting out of Pool D to meet the top six countries in the world would be a great start.

“The pre-tournament camp in Tasmania went really well and everyone is now looking forward to the first game against Fiji,” Wilcox said.

The Welsh believe meeting Fiji in the first game today is one of the biggest challenges of their careers.

Having picked up two morale boosting wins in their three warm-up matches in Tasmania last week Suzy Drane’s side are now ready for tournament action.

“There is a huge air of excitement within the Welsh camp,” Wilcox said.

Fijian Pearls manager Ruby Ann Sorovaki said they would take each game at a time.

“We were focusing on all our training runs before our first match against Wales. The girls are now focused on the job, we have settled in well,” Sorovaki said.

Fijian skipper Mere Neiliko attended the traditional ‘Candle Lighting Ceremony’ that has been part of every World Cup dating back to the inaugural tournament in Eastbourne in 1963 and then took part in the ‘Captain’s Call’ photo-shoot in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The 16 captains gathered with players and officials to light candles in a symbol of friendship and goodwill, committing to honour the spirit of the game. It will be the first time in 24 years the World Cup has been staged in Australia.

Fiji is ranked seventh in the world, one place above Wales.

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